Dracut man accused of assault on police, parents, family dog

LOWELL -- A 49-year-old Dracut man is accused of getting drunk, assaulting his parents, then kicking their 8-year-old terrier, Suzy, and throwing it across the room.

In Lowell District Court, Paul R. Paquette, 49, of 57 Oak Terrace, Dracut, pleaded not guilty to charges of animal cruelty, assault and battery on someone over 60 (two counts), assault and battery on a police officer (two counts), and vandalizing property.

Prosecutor Christina Lucci alleges that Dracut police were called to the Oak Terrace home on Saturday. Paquette's parents said their son was intoxicated and slapped the mother in the head and pushed the father.

Lucci said Paquette also kicked the terrier three times and threw it across the room.

When officers spoke to Paquette they noticed a strong odor of alcohol. Paquette allegedly began screaming at his parents and then turned his anger toward the officers, biting one in the thigh and kicking the other, Lucci said.

Defense attorney Joanne Walsh said Paquette denies the allegations, but agrees to stay away from his parents and to find another place to live.

Judge Elizabeth Cremens granted Paquette's parents a one-year restraining order against their son. She ordered Paquette held on $1,000 cash bail with conditions that he abide by the restraining order and stay away from his parents' home.

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